Steven's POV
The woods were quiet, motionless, as I stumbled along, my staff no more than a prop to keep me on my feet. The only noises were the irregular scrape of my boots against the wet ground and my labored breathing, each breath tasting of pain and fatigue. My body hurt with each step, my wounds still open, still not closing. My head pounded, a dull, steady throb that resonated in my head.
I did not know where I was going; I knew only that I had to keep walking.
My head was a mess, tangled threads of betrayal and loss and anger that were in danger of engulfing me completely.
Liam.
Even his name was enough to set another surge of anger burning through me, the flames searing their way along my veins.
How could he? How could he do this to me?
After all I had done for him, after all those times I had stood by his side, defending him, guiding him, believing in him.
And Freja…
The mere thought of my sister made my heart constrict in pain. All her laughter, her gentle presence, the way
